Van Life Guide: How to Travel the Country in a Campervan

Most of us dream of traveling more often. However, flexibility and affordability are common hurdles that prevent us from reaching all those destinations we’ve been dreaming about. 

That’s why van life is becoming more popular – you can often find affordable camper van rentals that act as transportation and sleeping space all in one. Suddenly, you have the mobility to make it to all those cities, states, and attractions across the U.S. you want to see without breaking your budget.   

The rest of this guide will explore van life in more detail, including its pros and cons of camper vans, the best road trips you can make in a camper van, where you can find affordable camper van rentals, and more. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to feel prepared while planning your next journey. 

Introduction to Van Life

To get started, here’s a quick van life overview. Van life typically consists of converting a van into a mobile living space. Vehicles like camper vans that are specifically designed for this often come with essential amenities like beds, storage, and a small kitchen. This makes it feel like a homey environment you can take everywhere you go, providing comfort on the road. 

Many people of different lifestyles and preferences can benefit from participating in van life. You don’t even need to live in a van full time to get a lot out of it, especially with affordable rental options available like our vehicles at Escape Camper Vans. You can simply reserve a vehicle for your trip and get started without a huge upfront cost. 

That said, if you really want to embrace a life of travel, many people also live out of camper vans full-time. Within camper van life, you can create a setup that allows you to live, work, and travel without being tied to a specific location. It’s more possible than ever nowadays as more remote and online freelance work options become available. 

Brief History of Van Life

The van life movement began in the 1960s and 1970s, with many in the counterculture movement embracing more minimalist lifestyles. The van became the preferred method of transport for 1960s hippies. Back then, many people converted Volkswagen buses into full living spaces. These vehicles became a symbol of freedom and rebellion during that time. 

After a brief break in van life’s prevalence, it’s become more popular again in the last 10 to 15 years, especially with new technology and vehicles on the market that make it easier to live out of a van for an extended duration of time. 

Social media has also helped introduce this lifestyle to more people. The thriving van life communities on social platforms allow people to connect while sharing tips, conversion projects, and exciting journeys. It makes it feel even more accessible when you can practically have a step-by-step guide and a helpful community behind you as you start. 

Why Do People Choose Van Life? 

Aside from simply wanting to travel more, there are many reasons people choose van life or traveling in a camper van during their trips, such as: 

• It appeals to those with a strong sense of adventure or who want to connect deeply with nature. This flexible lifestyle encourages getting outside more, exploring new places, and meeting new people. 
• It’s a great escape from the traditional 9 to 5 grind. Whether you want to take a quick scenic road trip on the weekends or take an extended break to travel across the country, van life provides mobility and affordability to do so. 
• It allows you to stop at more places during your journey. Rather than just buying a plane ticket and going straight to your primary destination, a camper van road trip helps you stop in other cities, scenic locations, and attractions you would’ve missed otherwise.
• It encourages downsizing and more minimalist lifestyles. Many find it hard to do this in their everyday lives, but when you only have a small space to work with, it helps you understand how much less you actually need for a happy and healthy life. Many people say getaways in camper vans change their mindset about what they need to feel fulfilled in life.  
• It’s a terrific way to connect with family or friends. Having a smaller space and fewer distractions around you can help you connect more with those you care about.   

What Are the Best Camper Van Trips in the USA?

Now that you know about the benefits of van life, let’s look at some of the adventures you can expect when taking up this lifestyle. Some of the best campervan trips in the USA include:  

• Los Angeles to San Francisco: Both Los Angeles and San Francisco are popular tourist destinations in California, and traveling between them can make for a terrific scenic drive. You can take the western Sierra route and stop at top attractions along the way, like Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, and Yosemite National Park. 
• Los Angeles to San Diego: This is another popular road trip option in California. Many people decide to take the stunning Pacific Coast Highway during this trip, stopping at popular cities and locations like Laguna Beach, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Long Beach, and more. 
• Phoenix to Sedona: This is a historic drive through Arizona with many landmarks along the way. You can visit Whiskey Row, Jerome State Historic Park, and local wineries in Cottonwood during your road trip. Then, spend a few days exploring Sedona with its famous Devil’s Bridge trail, spas, and the popular Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. 
• Take a trip around Florida: You can start your trip in Orlando to see popular destinations like Disney World, the Orlando Museum of Art, and Lake Eola. Then, drive to other popular cities nearby, like Tampa, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
• Visit Oregon’s seven popular ecological wonders: Oregon is home to 7 ecological wonders that make for great stops during a road trip. Those 7 wonders are Crater Lake, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Coast, Painted Hills, Smith Rock, Mount Hood, and Wallowas. 
• Visit Utah’s national parks: Another one of the best camper van trips when you’re looking for a 5 or 7-day itinerary is making it around to each of Utah’s scenic national parks. The best parks to visit include Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Zion National Park. 
• Los Angeles to Las Vegas: Many travelers like this trip because it allows them to take part in the historic Route 66 along the way. This route lets you visit many unique attractions, such as the Route 66 Museum, Bottle Tree Ranch, Emma Jean Holland’s Burgers, and Antique Station. 

In addition to these options, there are tons of great road trips throughout the U.S., which is why we have 11 pickup and dropoff locations across the U.S. where you can start or end your journey with an Escape Camper Van for all your travel needs. 

How Much Does It Cost to Travel the US in a Van? 

Taking road trips across the U.S. in a camper van sounds great. However, travel costs add up, so estimating how much you’ll need to spend during an extensive journey is important. 

When thinking about the cost of traveling in a van, you’ll first want to know the cost of the camper van itself. You might consider buying a camper van. However, they’re pretty expensive to purchase outright, with new camper vans going for $100,000+ and used camper vans going for $60,000+ when they’re in good condition. 

The better option for most travelers is to rent one. Camper van rentals usually range from about $75 to $150 per day. You might even be able to get a discount on the daily price if you commit to a longer-term rental of a month or more. That said, these prices can vary depending on the time of year and location you’re renting in. 

When you compare those daily prices to renting hotel rooms, you’re getting a pretty good deal. The average 3-star hotel room costs about $140 to $195, so you usually come out better with the camper van. 

Plus, camper vans offer other amenities, like the ability to cook your own meals, which helps you save money compared to eating out at restaurants all the time. Additionally, when you rent a hotel room, you still have to pay for transportation, whereas the camper van provides both transportation and sleeping space all in one. 

Other Expenses to Consider When Traveling in a Camper Van

Some other expenses to consider when traveling in a camper van include:

• The prices to reserve campsites or other parking. Campsites usually cost about $15-40 per night. For an alternative option, you can sometimes find free parking at public rest stops, truck stops, or public lands for boondocking.  
• Fuel expenses. The more distance you plan to drive, the more gas you’ll have to pay for during your trip, with costs between $0.30 and $0.40 per mile on average. 
• Vehicle insurance. Having a collision or liability insurance plan for long trips is a good idea.
• General expenses for activities. When traveling, plan out what activities you want to do and budget accordingly for things like entrance fees and ticket prices. 

What Is the Cost of Living in a Camper Van Per Month? 

Now that we’ve reviewed the most common van life expenses, you’re probably still looking for a total estimated cost of living in a van per month. 

The average monthly cost of living while traveling across the U.S. in a camper van typically falls around $3,000 to $5,000. You’ll see some van lifers online say they get away with spending as little as $1,500 to $2,000 per month. However, if you’re traveling and on the go often, it usually costs more to sustain that lifestyle than if you keep your van parked in one spot most of the time. 

Understand that these are just estimates. The actual monthly costs can vary quite a bit depending on the lifestyle you want to have while on the road, so it’s important to get quotes from rental companies, plan activities, and calculate expenses yourself before embarking on your journey. 

What Should You Look for in a Camper Van for Sale? 

As mentioned earlier, buying a camper van outright is usually pretty expensive for the average person who wants to travel a bit more. However, if you saw a camper van for sale that looks like a good deal and you’re considering purchasing it, you should know what to look for to ensure it’s a good choice.  

What to Look for When Buying a New Camper Van

When looking at a brand-new camper van, the most important thing is to ensure it has the amenities and space you need for a successful vacation. 

However, it’s also good to compare prices between dealerships, look into warranties offered, and ensure enough vehicle service options are available to upkeep the camper van. 

Additionally, take the vehicle for a test drive before buying it. You don’t want to purchase a camper van you don’t enjoy or feel comfortable driving since you’ll have it for a long time. 

What to Look for When Buying a Used Camper Van

Used camper vans are a bit more tricky. You’ll want to ensure you thoroughly inspect the vehicle before committing to buy it. Here’s a step-by-step process on what you should check: 

• Exterior inspection: Check the van’s body and undercarriage for signs of rust, damage, or wear. Pay attention to the condition of the tires, axles, suspension, and the integrity of the seals around windows and doors.
• Engine and mechanical components: Inspect the engine for fluid leaks, check the oil and coolant levels, and ensure that belts and hoses are in good condition. This will help you gauge whether the vehicle has been well-maintained.
• Electrical system: Test all electrical components, including the lighting, appliances, and outlets, to ensure they function correctly. Verify that the battery is in good condition and that the breaker box is operational.
• Water and plumbing systems: Test the water system by checking the faucets, shower, and toilet functionality. Ensure there are no leaks in the tanks or plumbing connections and that the water heater and pump work properly.
• Heating and cooling systems: Test the air conditioning and heating systems to ensure they work efficiently. Check for leaks around the AC unit and make sure the filters are clean.
• Interior condition: Inspect the interior for signs of water damage or mold, especially around the ceiling, walls, and floors. Test all doors, windows, and safety devices like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.

Along with these things, ask the seller:

• How long have they owned the camper van?
• How many previous owners were there?
• Did they perform routine maintenance on it? 
• How many miles are on it?
• Was it ever in any accidents?

These answers will help you determine the vehicle’s condition, including things that might not be caught in a visual inspection or quick test drive. 

Why Do Some People Quit Van Life?

While van life has many positives that make it great for affordable travel, it isn’t right for everyone, especially when living in a camper van for an extended amount of time. That’s why you might see the occasional post on social media or an article online titled “Why I quit van life” or something similar. 

To provide a well-balanced overview, here are some common challenges of van life and reasons why some people eventually quit the lifestyle. 

• Constantly moving around can be tiring: Most people choose van life because they want to travel more. However, constantly being on the move can grow tiring for some, and it isn’t always easy to find permanent parking in every location. Therefore, some people return to a more traditional lifestyle, renting an apartment or buying a house to stay in one place.  
• It can feel isolating: Some people transition to van life easily and travel the country on their own. While it can initially feel freeing, some find it isolating after a while of being separated from family or friends. 
• Working on the road can feel challenging: Many set out with aspirations of working remotely while traveling the country in a camper van. While some people can find a great balance, others struggle to make it work and feel burnt out trying to manage everything at once. 
• Financial changes: Things in life happen that change our financial situations, including accidents, health problems, or investments that were thriving in a downturn. Therefore, some might give up their travel-focused lifestyle since they can’t afford it anymore.  
• Shifting life goals: Our goals in life evolve over time, and living out of a van isn’t always the best way to achieve every goal you have. Some people decide they want to settle down and start a family or focus more on building their career, which causes them to give up van life in the process. 

While some people find that van life isn’t right for them, many really enjoy it and feel that it helps them better connect with the world, so experiences will vary. That’s why renting a camper van for a shorter trip is often a good starting point before completely diving into the lifestyle. That way, you can get a taste of what it’s like to know if it’s right for you. 

Additionally, even if living out of a van long-term isn’t right for you, many who live more traditional lifestyles love renting camper vans for short vacations. So, it’s always there to help you get away as needed. 

What Are Essential Tips for Successful Camper Van Travel?

When you don’t know all the ins and outs of the van lifestyle, it can feel like a lot to take on during your first trip. Here are some tips for camper van travel to help you get the most out of it.

Safety Tips for Van Life

• Park your van securely: Always park with the van’s cockpit facing the exit for quick departure if needed. Choose well-lit, secure areas, preferably with surveillance.
• Research areas before going to them: Do some research before your trip to understand the destination’s surroundings and nearby resources if you run into trouble. 

Must-Have Gear and Supplies

• Emergency tools: Carry a first aid kit, basic tool kit, portable air compressor, Fix-A-Flat, and a spare tire for roadside emergencies. If you are planning to go off-grid during your travels, consider opting for a satellite phone if you need to make any calls. 
• Comfort essentials: Include items like portable water storage, proper bedding for temperature control, and a flashlight/headlamp.
• Outdoor and camping gear: You don’t want to have to spend all your time relaxing inside your camper van. Bring folding chairs, a tent or awning, and a weather-resistant outdoor blanket for added comfort and versatility. 

Health and Well-Being on the Road

• Stay hydrated and nourished: Plan meals and pack enough food and water for your journey. Shop locally when possible for fresh produce and consider non-perishable snacks for long trips. 
• Mental and physical health: While we all want to make it to as many destinations as possible, some of the best camper van travel advice is to plan flexible itineraries to avoid fatigue. Take breaks, stretch regularly, and manage your sleeping environment to ensure proper sleep​. 
• Hygiene management: While many camper vans don’t have showers, there are still plenty of ways to stay clean and fresh. Use portable showers, wet wipes, or gym memberships to maintain hygiene on the road. Also, make sure you’re keeping your van clean and throwing away any trash that accumulates. 

How Do You Plan a Route for Your Camper Van Adventure? 

Route planning is essential to get the most out of your camper van adventure. After choosing the destination you want to visit, looking up sample road trip itineraries or popular stops along the way can be helpful. That way, you can choose which stops sound the most interesting to you. 

Afterward, you can use a tool like Google or Apple Maps to plan your camper van route. Both allow you to add multiple stops and can give you a good visual of your route to ensure you’re planning your drive time and distance efficiently. 

It can also be helpful to download an offline map to your phone for the trip since some routes could take you outside cell coverage, especially if you’re traveling through very rural areas. AllTrails is a great tool to use for this. 

Lastly, it’s important to practice flexible planning and adjust your schedule as needed. Unexpected things can happen on the road, such as running into construction zones, bad weather, or a flat tire. When you get off course, take a deep breath and figure out how to navigate from there. It’s all part of the adventure. 

Conclusion

To give you a van life summary, it’s a terrific way to explore the country affordably and flexibly as you drive and sleep in your camper van. Before you set off for your trip, make sure you plan your route, activities, and budget, and pack all the essentials you’ll need.

Our final thoughts on van life are that you should try it and see if you like it; we love it! 

If you want to get started or explore your options, we have you covered here at Escape Camper Vans. With 11 rental locations across the U.S., you can conveniently pick up one of our affordable and uniquely hand-painted camper vans and start your journey. 

Each of our vans is equipped with helpful features such as queen-size beds, a propane stove, a refrigerator, a sink with a water tank, and extra storage. 

Ready to get started? Reserve your Escape Camper Van today or contact us with any other questions.